Since Twilight ended, Robert Pattinson has seemingly had to prove himself as a serious actor as being in the billion-dollar franchise damaged his reputation, as opposed to promoted him as an actor. He has since poured his energy into interesting indies, and this is no exception. The Safdies’ Good Time is a unique and gritty thriller that is perhaps one of the best of the year.

Beginning in a therapist’s office (something that leads to a beautifully circled ending), we are first introduced to Nick Nikas (Benny Safdie), the mentally handicapped younger brother of Connie (Pattinson) who soon bursts into the office and pulls his brother out. This immediately introduces the sense of responsibility and protection from Connie for his brother that drives the whole narrative. It is not long before the inciting incident occurs to spur the rest of the plot into motion; a botched bank robbery that results in Nick being arrested. From the beginning of the robbery through to the film’s ending, the tension rarely lets up, as we are brought along with Connie on a chase to get his brother back (through various means from raising bail money to attempted break-outs), all whilst he is being chased by the police as well.

This is not your typical botched-heist picture. Good Time has an assortment of unique and interesting choices that swirl together to produce an intoxicating and electric experience, that manages the tension needed as well as produces a more unexpected emotional tinge too. The presence of Nick’s disability adds a different layer to the stakes of the film, as the desire to get him out of jail does not just come from loyalty and love, but protection. It is not only the different relationship that makes the film stand out, but its portrayal of occurences we may have seen before in films is starkly original. The bank heist is one of the most interesting ones we’ve seen in recent times. It is quiet, restrained, and understated, yet manages to mount huge loads of tension. There is no shouty, gun-waving madness, merely a conversation that occurs silently through the use of notes. It is startlingly effective, and introduces a tension that is rarely lets up until the credits roll.

This film is character-focused, and entirely subjective, resting largely on Pattinson to carry you through the film. He is excellent here, giving some of his best work, able to get the audience on side and keep them there, despite the various immoral actions he commits (although perhaps one in particular may give a viewer more pause). He is also entirely convincing in his tunnel-vision quest to protect his brother, conveying an emotional undercurrent that underpins the action and makes for a grittier film, all whilst emphasising the stakes. This is also done without the audience’s knowledge of their intentions for the original robbery sum. The chemistry between him and Safdie also makes the relationship entirely believable and grounds the emotions of the film in the short time they have together. Safdie is extraordinary as the brother, portraying his disability sensitively and making his reliance on, and love for, his brother very evident. The supporting players that duck in and out all help to flesh out the world, and feel like real people, and less like plot devices.

Two of the stand-out elements of the film are the cinematography and the score which work perfectly together to create a visceral experience and add hugely to the atmosphere. The visuals are striking, often featuring interesting lighting uses and neon shades, adding more character to the grimy settings we often find the characters in. Taking place largely over one night, the darkness is used to full effect in forcing the filmmakers to find the lighting that makes a place at night seem like another world. The electronic score works seamlessly with this aesthetic featuring striking synth sounds that are hugely effective.

The Safdie brothers have crafted what is perhaps one of the best thrillers of the year, and one whose telling is less than conventional. Featuring an unrelenting sense of tension and a kinetic energy that will stay with you, Good Time is a brilliant thrill ride that is grounded in enough substance and emotion to make it more than merely a good time at the pictures.